Trigger Finger

Trigger Finger or Stenosing Tenosynovitis

Stenosing tenosynovitis, commonly known as, “trigger finger,” or “trigger thumb,” involves the pulleys and tendons in the hand that bend the fingers. The tendons work like long ropes connecting the muscles of the forearm with the bones of the fingers and thumb. In the finger, the pulleys are a series of rings that form a tunnel through which tendons must glide. Trigger finger/thumb occurs when the tendon does not move smoothly through the pulley, causing pain and tenderness at the base of the finger or thumb and possibly a popping, clicking or a catching feeling in the finger or thumb. Sometimes the finger becomes stuck or locked and is hard to straighten or bend. Some trigger fingers are associated with medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, diabetes or even trauma. You may think the problem is at the middle knuckle of the finger or the tip knuckle of the thumb, since the tendon that is sticking is the one that moves these joints. Symptoms can often be relieved without surgery. There are a number of treatment options and your hand surgeon can help you decide which is best for you.